Doctor insights on:
Coughing Up Lots Of Phlegm

1

Needs reason:
The body always has a reason for what it does. Consistent coughing phlegm is abnormal. Not everyone who is sick feels sick or has fever. There are many potential reasons for the cough, not all of which will make you 'feel sick' it would be wise and appropriate to seek medical evaluation.
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Phlegm is the thick, sticky mucus secreted by the surface of the respiratory tract during a cold or other respiratory infection. The respiratory tract includes the nose and sinuses, throat, voice box, bronchi, and lungs. Phlegm is mucus that may contain bacteria, viruses, respiratory surface cells, and inflammatory cells. Normal mucus is not phlegm, but a protective layer secreted by the respiratory tract.
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2

Swallowing trouble?:
Swallowing trouble can reflect problems when moving food from mouth to upper esophagus (tranfer dysphagia) or when moving food down the esophagus (transit dysphagia). Partial obstruction of esophagus may "hang-up" dry solid foods but typically allow liquids to pass. Motility disorders may "hang-up" both solids as well as liquids. Consider gerd, spasm, as well as eosinophilic esophagitis here.
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5

Timeline:
If these symptoms are present for the last few days it is likely a viral infection. Rest, increased water intake, over the counter mucolytic agents (ie guafenesin) can all help. If the symptoms are present for longer then you may require antibiotic therapy.
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9

Chronic bronchitis:
Smokers are more likely to cough at night and first thing in the morning because the smoke damages the lungs ability to clean itself so mucus sits during periods of inactivity, becomes discolored, and then is coughed out. If the green mucus is recent consider viral illness or pneumonia.
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10

Yes:
Technically, yes. In people who are intubated (having a tube in their throat) and cannot cough effectively, excessive secretions are suctioned via a special device. If you have normal lung function, you should be able to cough up, unless you are terminally weak or a small child who cannot do it because he doesn't know how.
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Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. However, excessive coughing may mean you have an underlying disease or disorder. Some coughs are dry, while others are considered productive. A productive cough is one that brings up mucus.
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